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The closest approach...really

I recently purchased a pair of Gradient SW-63 woofers for my Quad ESL 57, and I this is so far the closest approach to the real thing that I've ever experienced. The midrange is probably the best possible, with Quads' holographic properties most audiophiles are familiar with. The micro-detail is also superb. The Gradient woofers add a very competent, tight, and fast bass. I believe this combination is hard to beat at any price. Does anyone think this combination can be beat?
ggavetti
detlof
1,899 posts
 
No, to my ears it cannot. However, before I switched to Sound Labs, I replaced the Quad 57s with the Quad 63s. I wanted just a tad more SPL.
All the same, I still maintain, that the marriage of Gradient and Quad is a match made in heaven!

Happy, joyful listening, Ggavetti!
mrtennis
3,295 posts
 
i have owned quads--57s and 63s, and will purchase another pair of 57s, soon.

i would not add a sub to the 57s. the integration of the two drivers is a big problem.

i have heard quads with various subs, including gradients, and i don't like what i hear. the integration is not seamless.
kana813
956 posts
 
"Does anyone think this combination can be beat?"

Try the Gradient Helsinki 1.5s.
audiofeil
4,011 posts
 
A while back I had a pair of Vandersteen 2W subs integrated wonderfully with Quad 988.

It can be accomplished in the right room.
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